Front-loading picture frame

ABSTRACT

A front-loading picture frame includes a base frame that has a front surface and a back surface. A metal sheet made of a magnetically attracting metal is attached to the base frame. The magnetically attracting metal sheet will draw a first magnet toward the metal. A clear lens is attached to the front surface of the base frame. The lens has an interior surface that faces the base frame. A first magnet is attached to the clear lens. The first magnet is attracted to the metal sheet by a magnetic force. The magnetic force holds the clear lens tightly in position on the front surface of the base frame.

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention relates to picture frames. Moreparticularly the present invention pertains to picture frames that usemagnets to hold the frame and lens together.

[0002] Known picture frames are loaded from the backside. The backcovering is removed for access to the area for the picture. The pictureis placed upon the clear flat glass lens and the back cover isreattached. The lens does not need to be removed from the picture frameto insert the picture. The back cover is held in place by staples,nails, sliders, or other attachment devices.

[0003] A lens that lies flat against the artwork is used for flatprints, but some times a flat lens is not appropriate, particularly whenthe artwork is a raised three-dimensional piece. Clear viewing boxesthat are placed upon the artwork from the front are sometimes used forexpensive or three-dimensional pieces of artwork that are hung on awall. The box also accentuates the presentation of the artwork. Theartwork is accessed from the front by removing the viewing box, ratherthan from the back by removing the back covering. The viewing boxes areattached to the backing surface and picture by clips, hinges, or othermechanical attachment devices.

[0004] The boxes can be clear plexiglass with an opening on theback-side. The opening accepts the artwork, which is on a backingsurface. The front-side of the viewing box is a sufficiently large areato provide full viewing of the artwork. The remaining sides raise thefront side away from the wall and picture. The remaining sides typicallyare a half-inch to five inches wide, which raises the front-side asimilar distance away from the wall and print.

[0005] Wall hung art seldom has a surface that varies more than 5 inchesin depth. Artwork pieces or architectural models of greater height thatare set on tables can be enclosed in boxes that are of even greaterheight to accommodate the artwork. Viewing boxes are primarily designedfor large three-dimensional artwork pieces. Viewing boxes are notappropriate for smaller picture frames that are used in the home.Viewing boxes are to expensive and cumbersome for enclosing smallerpersonal pictures, which are usually less than 10 inches by 13 inches insize.

[0006] Mechanical attachment devices or clasps that are used onback-loaded picture frames are not visible from the front, thus theattachment devices do not detract from the appearance of the picture.Attachment devices are used to connect the backing to the frame. Thebacking holds the picture firmly in place against the clear lens. Visualimpression of the picture could be effected if mechanical attachmentdevices were used for a front-loaded picture frame, because of thepotential visibility of the attachment devices. A front-loaded pictureframe should have attachment devices that do not detract from theviewing of the picture.

[0007] Mechanical attachment devices, such as mechanical clasps canbend, distort and break. Each time a picture is inserted into thepicture frame the mechanical clasp is rotated or bent. After continuedusage the mechanical clasp may bend due to mechanical stresses and metalfatigue. A distorted attachment device affects the secure assembly ofthe picture frame.

[0008] Therefore there is a need for a front-loading picture frame. Thefront-loading picture frame should have a method of attaching the clearlens to the frame backing that is aesthetically appealing. The clearlens should be quickly and easily removed for insertion of the pictureinto the front-loading picture frame. The attachment method should notbe susceptible to mechanical stresses and metal fatigue.

SUMMARY

[0009] An objective of the present invention is a picture frame wherethe picture can be inserted from the front surface of the frame. Supportstands for the frame are often attached to the back surface, thus thesupport stand may interfere with insertion of the picture through theback surface. When the base frame is attached to a box or container,access to the back surface can be restricted and inconvenient. Easyaccess is an advantage of a picture frame loaded from the front.

[0010] Another objective of the front-loading picture frame is having anattachment method that does not require mechanical clasps that can bend,distort and break. An advantage of using magnetic force as an attachmentmethod is the elimination of mechanical stresses and metal fatigue. Themagnetic force remains relatively consistent over time, which keeps thecomponents of the picture frame in tight and proper positionalalignment.

[0011] Another objective of the front-loading picture frame is providingan attachment method that does not require mechanical clasps thatproject from the perimeter of the lens. Using mechanical clasps on theexterior surface of the lens could visually detract from the aestheticpresentation of the picture. An advantage of using metal and magnets foran attachment device is that the metal and magnets can be attached tothe interior surface of the lens or imbedded directly into the lens. Itis not necessary for the magnet or metal to protrude beyond theperimeter of the lens.

[0012] A front-loading picture frame includes a base frame that has afront surface and a back surface. A metal sheet made of a magneticallyattracting metal is attached to the base frame. The magneticallyattracting metal sheet will draw a first magnet toward the metal. Aclear lens is attached to the front surface of the base frame. The lenshas an interior surface that faces the base frame. A first magnet isattached to the clear lens. The first magnet is attracted to the metalsheet by a magnetic force. The magnetic force holds the clear lenstightly in position on the front surface of the base frame. The lens isformed from a clear material that allows substantially unobstructedviewing of the graphic image.

[0013] A graphic image, such as a photograph, can be securely positionedbetween the base frame and the lens. The lens is held firmly against thebase frame by the magnetic force attraction between the first magnet andthe metal sheet. The graphic image is pressed tightly between the frontsurface of the base frame and the interior surface of the lens. Thepositioning between the two surfaces, along with the pressure of themagnetic force, keeps the graphic image flat without creases or sagging.

[0014] The strength of a person's hand can overcome the magnetic force,so that the lens can be removed from the base frame. The base frame hasan aperture, which is a narrow opening. The aperture travels from theback surface through the base frame to the front surface. A slenderobject or a finger is inserted through the aperture and forcibly pressedagainst the interior surface of the lens, so that the magnetic force isovercome. In this manner the lens is detached from the base frame.

[0015] A second magnet can be used as a specific embodiment of the metalsheet. The second magnet is removably attached to the back surface ofthe base frame. The first magnet is magnetically attracted to the secondmagnet by a magnetic force. This arrangement alleviates the need for anaperture when removing the lens from the base frame. The second magnetor second magnets can be grasped with a hand and pulled to remove thesecond magnet from the back surface of the base frame. The strongmagnetic force attraction between the first magnet and the second magnetis eliminated, so that the lens can be easily removed from the baseframe.

[0016] In one embodiment, the metal sheet is a sheet of metal coveringall or a portion of the front of the base frame. The first magnet isattached to the interior surface of the lens. The placement of the metalsheet on the front surface is such that the first magnet and the metalsheet will be in close proximity, so that there is a strong magneticattraction between the first magnet and the metal sheet. There can beseveral corresponding sets of metal sheets and magnets.

[0017] The front-loading picture frame can be stood on its side andplaced on the flat horizontal surface of a table or other furniture. Asupport stand is included to maintain the upright positioning of thebase frame. Alternately, the front-loading picture frame can be hung ona vertical wall surface. The graphic image can be any piece, print orimage that is typically mounted in a picture frame. Photographs, prints,drawings and other artwork are included.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment the front-loading picture frame alsoincludes a container having a top surface. The container forms a cavitywith an opening. The base frame is attached to the container at aboutthe top surface. The base frame serves as a lid or cover for thecontainer. The front-loading picture frame having a container is oftenused as a jewelry box. The opening provides access to the cavity forstoring jewelry and other personal items.

[0019] Although the present invention is briefly summarized, a fullerunderstanding of the invention can be obtained from the followingdrawings, detailed description and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

[0021]FIG. 1 is a cutaway side view.

[0022]FIG. 2 is a front view of the lens.

[0023]FIG. 3 is a cutaway side view of the front-loading picture framewith a container.

[0024]FIG. 4 is a top view of the front-loading picture frame with acontainer.

[0025]FIG. 5 is a side view of the front-loading picture frame with ahinged.

[0026]FIGS. 6a through 6 j illustrate various embodiments of the firstmagnet in combination with the metal sheet or a second magnet.

[0027]FIG. 7 is a side view with magnets imbedded into the base frame.

[0028]FIG. 8 is a front view of the lens, similar to the lens shown inFIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a front-loading picture frame 10includes a base frame 12 that has a front surface 14, a back surface 16and four sides 17. A metal sheet 18 made of a magnetically attractingmetal is attached to the base frame 12. A clear lens 22 is attached tothe front surface 14 of the base frame 12. Four first magnets 20 arepositioned one at each of the four corners of the lens 22. Themagnetically attracting metal sheet 18 draws the first magnets 20 towardthe metal sheet 18. The lens 22 has an interior surface 24 that abutsthe base frame 12 and an exterior surface 26 that faces outward.

[0030] The four first magnets 20 are attached to the clear lens 22 atabout the corners of the lens 22. The first magnets 20 are imbedded intothe lens 22 near the interior surface 24. Each first magnet 20 isattracted to the metal sheet 18 by a magnetic force 28. The magneticforce 28 holds the clear lens 22 firmly in position on the front surface14 of the base frame 12. The metal sheet 18 substantially covers thefront surface 14 of the base frame 12. The magnetic force 28 can beovercome by the pulling or pushing strength of a person's hand, so thatthe lens 22 can be removed from the base frame 12.

[0031] A graphic image 30 can be securely positioned between the baseframe 12 and the lens 22. The lens 22 is held firmly against the baseframe 12 by the magnetic force 28 attraction between the first magnet 20and the metal sheet 18. The graphic image 30 is pressed tightly betweenthe front surface 14 of the base frame 12 and the interior surface 24 ofthe lens 22. The positioning between the two surfaces 14, 24, along withthe pressure of the magnetic force 28, keeps the graphic image 30 flatwithout creases or sagging, which provides a pleasant visualpresentation of the graphic image 30.

[0032] The base frame 12 has an aperture 32 that provides an opening.The aperture 32 travels from the back surface 16 through the base frame12 to the front surface 14. A slender object 102 or a finger canprotrude through the aperture 32. The object 102 can forcibly pressagainst the interior surface 24 of the lens 22, which overcomes themagnetic force 28. In this manner the lens 22 is detached from the baseframe 12. One hand can grasp the lens 22 so that it does not fall, as itis detached from the base frame 12. More than one aperture 32 can beprovided, particularly when several strong first magnets 20 are placedaround the perimeter 38 or corners of the lens 22.

[0033] Alternately, a suction cup (not shown) held in a hand can beadhered to the lens 22 for removing the lens 22. The lens 22 has a flatsmooth exterior surface 26 that is easily suctioned by a suction cup.The suction seal between the suction cup and the lens 22 must be strongenough to overcome the magnetic force 28 between the first magnet 20 andthe metal sheet 18. Another method of removing the lens 22 from the baseframe 12 is the placement of one or more small knobs 34 on the exteriorsurface 26 of the lens 22. The knob 34 can be grasped by the hand, thenpulled to remove the lens 22 from the base frame 12.

[0034] In one embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the metal sheet 18substantially covers the front of the base frame 12. The metal sheet 18can be any color. Adhesives, pins or other attachment methods are usedto secure the metal sheet 18 to the base frame 12. The placement of themetal sheet 18 on the front surface 14 is such that the first magnet 20and the metal sheet 18 will be in close proximity when the lens 22 isattached to the base frame 12. The size, quantity and placement of thefirst magnet 20 corresponds to the size, quantity and placement of themetal sheet 18.

[0035] There can be one or more sets of corresponding metal sheets 18and first magnets 20, as depicted in FIGS. 6a-6 j. When the metal sheet18 is a single sheet of metal then a single first magnet 20 or severalstrategically placed first magnets 20 are used. Alternately, more thanone metal sheet 18 can be used. Four small metal sheets 18 can be placedat about the corners of the front surface 14. The metal sheets 18 can beabout the same size and about the same location on the front surface 14,as are the first magnets 20 that are depicted attached to the lens 22 inFIG. 2.

[0036] The first magnets 20 or metal sheets 18 should be located nearthe perimeter 38 of the lens 22, where viewing of the graphic image 30is not interfered. The base frame 12 is positioned behind the graphicimage 30, so placement of the first magnets 20 or metal sheets 18 in thebase frame 12 does not interfere with the viewing of the graphic image30. Positioning the first magnets 20 or metal sheets 18 where they arehidden by the graphic image 30 can improve aesthetic appearance. Themagnetic force 28 can slightly dissipate when traveling through thegraphic image 30, thus placement of the first magnets 20 and/or metalsheet 18 near the perimeter 38 of the lens 22 and the correspondingouter edges of the base frame 12 can improve the magnetic force 28attraction between the first magnet 20 and the metal sheet 18, eventhough they may be slightly visible.

[0037] The first magnet 20 and a second magnet 21 can be used. Thesecond magnet 21 is used as the metal sheet 18, thus the second magnet21 serves as a variation of the metal sheet 18. All of the arrangementsthat can be done with the first magnet 20 and the metal sheet 18, canalso be done with the first magnet 20 and the second magnet 21. FIGS.6a-6 j depict some of the possible arrangements. The north-pole andsouth-pole of the first magnet 20 and the second magnet 21 arepositioned so that they create a magnetic attraction between the firstmagnet 20 and the second magnet 21. The attraction of the magnetic force28 between the first magnet 20 and the second magnet 21 removablyattaches the lens 22 to the base frame 12.

[0038] The lens 22 is formed from a clear material that allowssubstantially unobstructed viewing of the graphic image 30. The lens 22can be manufactured from plexiglas, plastic, glass, or other clearmaterials. The lens 22 material should be relatively free of impuritiesthat may hinder the clarity of viewing through the lens 22. Although notshown, an anti-glare coating can be added to the exterior surface 26 ofthe lens 22 to reduce distracting reflections. Plexiglas, plastic andother moldable materials can be injection molded to create the clearlens 22.

[0039] In an embodiment not shown, the base frame 12 is made from amagnetically attracting metal. The base frame 12 also functions as themetal sheet 18. The first magnet 20 attached to the lens 22 ismagnetically attracted to the base frame 12, so there is no requirementfor a separate metal sheet 18. In this embodiment the metal sheet 18 isthe same composition as, and an integral part of the base frame 12.

[0040] The front-loading picture frame 10 can be stood on a side 17 andplaced on the flat horizontal surface of a table or other furniture.When the base frame 12 has a sufficient depth the base frame 12 willsupport the upright position of the front-loading picture frame 10. Foradded stability a support stand 40 is included to maintain the uprightpositioning of the base frame 12. Alternately, the front-loading pictureframe can be hung on a vertical wall surface (not shown). The graphicimage 30 can be any piece, print or image that is typically mounted in apicture frame. The graphic image 30 may be a photograph, print, drawingor other artwork.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, in a preferred embodiment thefront-loading picture frame also includes a container 42 having a topsurface 44. The container 42 forms a cavity 46 with an opening 48. Theopening of the cavity 46 is at the top surface 44 of the container 42.The base frame 12 is attached to the container 42 at about the topsurface 44. The base frame 12 serves as a lid or cover for the container42.

[0042]FIG. 3 illustrates the usage of the first magnet 20 and the secondmagnet 21 aligned where a magnetic attraction occurs between the firstmagnet 20 and the second magnet 21. The attraction of the magnetic force28 between the first magnet 20 and the second magnet 21 removablyattaches the lens 22 to the base frame 12. The base frame 12 is liftedto provide access to the back surface 16. The first magnets 20 areimbedded into the lens 22. The second magnets 21 are removably attachedto the back surface 16 of the base frame 12. The second magnets 21 canbe easily grasped and removed from the back surface 16. The magneticforce 28 attraction between the first magnet 20 and the second magnet 21is overcome, such that the lens 22 and base frame 12 separate to provideaccess to the graphic image 30.

[0043]FIG. 5 shows hinges 50, which connect the container 42 to the baseframe 12. The base frame 12 is rotated via the hinges 50 to provideaccess to the interior of the container 42. An aperture 32 providesaccess for separating the lens 22 from the base frame 12. Thefront-loading picture frame 10 having a container 42 is often used as ajewelry box 52. Although not shown, the back surface 16 of the baseframe 12 could be attached to a side 17′ of the container 42. A lid withor without a graphic image 30 is then used to cover the opening 48.

[0044] Jewelry boxes are frequently manufactured with a pictureinscribed or attached to the cover of the jewelry box. With the presentinvention the picture is front-loaded onto the front surface 14 of thebase frame 12. Front-loading is much easier than attempting to load thegraphic image 30 through the back surface 16 of the base frame 12. Theback surface 16 of the base frame 12 is attached to the container 42 byhinges 50, so inserting the graphic image 30 through the back surface 16would be cramped and difficult.

[0045] The person can select their own picture that has sentimentalmemories. The personalized picture is then easily front-loaded into thebase frame 12, which serves as the cover of the music box. The aperture32 travels from the back surface 16 to the front surface 14 of the baseframe 12. The aperture 32 allows separation of the lens 22 from the baseframe 12 for easy access to the graphic image 30. Lifting the hingedbase frame 12 allows easy access to the apertures 32 for detaching thelens 22 and inserting the picture.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 6a. through 6 j, there are variouspermutations of arrangements available between the metal sheet 18 andthe first magnet 20. Either the first magnet 20 or the metal sheet 18can be attached by attaching to a surface or attached by imbedding intothe lens 22 or base frame 12. Possibilities include where the metalsheet 18 is attached to the interior surface 24 or imbedded into thelens 22. The first magnet 20 is attached to the front surface 14 of thebase frame 12 or imbedded into the base frame 12. Alternately, the metalsheet 18 is attached to the front surface 14 of the base frame 12 orimbedded into the base frame 12, while the first magnet 20 is imbeddedinto the lens 22 or attached to the interior surface 24 of the lens 22.The metal sheet 18 can be a second magnet 21, as specificallyillustrated in FIGS. 6i and 6 j.

[0047]FIG. 6a shows the metal sheet 18 attached to the interior surface24, with the first magnet 20 attached to the front surface 14. FIG. 6bshows the metal sheet 18 attached to the interior surface 24, with thefirst magnet 20 imbedded into the base frame 12. FIG. 6c shows the metalsheet 18 imbedded into the lens 22, with the first magnet 20 attached tothe front surface 14. FIG. 6d shows the metal sheet 18 imbedded into thelens 22, with the first magnet 20 imbedded into the base frame 12.

[0048]FIG. 6e illustrates the first magnet 20 attached to the interiorsurface 24, with the metal sheet 18 attached to the front surface 14.FIG. 6f shows the first magnet 20 attached to the interior surface 24,with the metal sheet 18 imbedded into the base frame 12. FIG. 6g showsthe first magnet 20 imbedded into the lens 22, with the metal sheet 18attached to the front surface 14. FIG. 6h shows the first magnet 20imbedded into the lens 22, with the metal sheet 18 imbedded into thebase frame 12.

[0049] A first magnet 20 and a second magnet 21 can be used. The secondmagnet 21 is used as the metal sheet 18, thus the second magnet 21serves as a form of the metal sheet 18. FIG. 6I depicts a first magnet20 attached to the lens 22, with the first magnet 20 attached to theinterior surface 24. The second magnet 21 is attached to the base frame12, by imbedding the second magnet 21 into the base frame 12.

[0050]FIG. 6j depicts a first magnet 20 attached to the lens 22, byimbedding the first magnet 20 into the lens 22. The second magnet 21 isattached to the base frame 12, by imbedding the second magnet 21 intothe base frame 12. The second magnet 21 is a specific embodiment of themetal sheet 18.

[0051]FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the combination of first magnets 20 withsecond magnets 21. Four first magnets 20 are imbedded into the lens 22.Second magnets 21 are imbedded into the base frame 12. The magneticattraction between the first magnets 20 and second magnets 21 can beovercome by grasping the lens and pulling with two hands.

[0052] The front-loading picture frame 10 allows the graphic image 30 tobe inserted from the front surface 14. Access to the front surface 14 isconvenient with no restriction caused by the support stand 40 or thecontainer 42. The first magnet 20 and metal sheet 18 provide anattachment method that does not bend, distort or break like mechanicalclasps can. Mechanical stresses and metal fatigue are dramaticallyreduced or eliminated. The first magnet 20 and metal sheet 18 do notprotrude beyond the perimeter 38 of the lens 22, so aesthetic appearanceis improved.

[0053] Although the present invention has been described in considerabledetail with regard to the preferred versions thereof, other versions arepossible. Therefore, the appended claims should not be limited to thedescriptions of the preferred versions contained herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A front-loading picture frame comprising: a) abase frame having a front surface, a back surface and a side; b) a metalsheet made of a magnetically attracting metal attached to the baseframe; c) a clear lens attached to the front surface, wherein the lenshas an interior surface; and d) a first magnet attached to the clearlens, wherein the first magnet is attracted to the metal sheet by amagnetic force; wherein the magnetic force removably attaches the lensto the base frame, whereby a graphic image can be securely positionedbetween the base frame and the lens.
 2. The front-loading picture frameof claim 1, further comprising a container having a top surface and acavity with an opening, wherein the base frame is attached to the topsurface of the container, thereby forming a lid for the container. 3.The front-loading picture frame of claim 1, wherein the base framefurther has an aperture, wherein the aperture travels from the backsurface to the front surface, whereby an object can protrude through theaperture and the object can forcibly press against the interior surfaceof the lens, thereby overcoming the magnetic force thus detaching thelens from the base frame.
 4. The front-loading picture frame of claim 3,wherein the metal sheet is imbedded into the base frame.
 5. Thefront-loading picture frame of claim 3, wherein the metal sheet isattached to the front surface of the base frame.
 6. The front-loadingpicture frame of claim 5, wherein the first magnet is attached to theinterior surface of the lens.
 7. The front-loading picture frame ofclaim 6, wherein the metal sheet substantially covers the front surfaceof the base frame.
 8. The front-loading picture frame of claim 6,wherein the metal sheet is a second magnet, whereby the first magnet ismagnetically attracted to the second magnet.
 9. The front-loadingpicture frame of claim 8, wherein the front-loading picture frame isstood on the side for vertical presentation
 10. A front-loading pictureframe comprising: a) a base frame having a front surface and a backsurface; b) a clear lens attachable to the base frame, wherein the lenshas an interior surface; c) a metal sheet made of a magneticallyattracting metal attached to the lens; and d) a first magnet attached tothe base frame, wherein the first magnet is attracted to the metal sheetby a magnetic force; wherein the magnetic force removably attaches thelens to the base frame, whereby a graphic image can be securelypositioned between the base frame and the lens.
 11. The front-loadingpicture frame of claim 10, wherein the base frame further has anaperture, wherein the aperture travels from the back surface to thefront surface, whereby an object can protrude through the aperture andthe object can forcibly press against the interior surface of the lens,thereby overcoming the magnetic force thus detaching the lens from thebase frame.
 12. The front-loading picture frame of claim 11, wherein themetal sheet is attached to the interior surface of the lens.
 13. Thefront-loading picture frame of claim 11, wherein the metal sheet isimbedded into the lens.
 14. The front-loading picture frame of claim 10,further comprising a container having a top surface and a cavity with anopening, wherein the opening is located at the top surface, wherein thebase frame is attached to the top surface of the container, therebyforming a lid for the container.
 15. The front-loading picture frame ofclaim 14, wherein the metal sheet is attached to the interior surface ofthe lens.
 16. The front-loading picture frame of claim 14, wherein themetal sheet is imbedded into the lens.
 17. A front-loading picture framecomprising: a) a base frame having a front surface and a back surface;b) a clear lens attachable to the base frame, wherein the lens has aninterior surface; c) a first magnet attached to the lens; and d) asecond magnet attached to the base frame, wherein the first magnet ismagnetically attracted to the second magnet by a magnetic force; whereinthe magnetic force removably attaches the lens to the base frame,whereby a graphic image can be securely positioned between the baseframe and the lens.
 18. The front-loading picture frame of claim 17,wherein the second magnet is removably attached to the base frame. 19.The front-loading picture frame of claim 18, wherein the second magnetis removably attached to the back surface of the base frame.
 20. Thefront-loading picture frame of claim 19, further comprising a containerhaving a top surface and a cavity with an opening, wherein the openingis located at the top surface, wherein the base frame is attached to thetop surface of the container, thereby forming a lid for the container.